Final appeal for support ahead of ‘Big Band Ball' on Saturday

The team behind the Mullingar Town Band Refurbishment Project are making the final preparations for the inaugural Big Band Ball, which is on this Saturday, October 20, at the Mullingar Park Hotel.

The band, also known at the Celtic Crusaders, is an institution in Mullingar, and has a history that goes back almost a century and a half.

The band celebrated its centenary in 1979 – when Joe Dolan turned the sod on what is now known as the Bandhall – and will celebrate 140 years in 2019.

With a mission to ‘Educate, Elevate and Entertain through the Art of Music’, everyone involved with the band wants to continue to do this for many years to come and for that reason, they are reaching out to the Mullingar community for support.

Over the years some 5,000 young people have passed through the care of Mullingar Town Band, and learned to read music, to play an instrument, be part of a marching band and perform in concerts and shows worldwide.

Mullingar Town Band members have gone on to become national and international ambassadors for the town.

In order to continue to facilitate education, elevation and entertainment through the art of music, the bands need a quality premises, a safe environment for the young people and the tutors, and the best teaching facilities possible.

The current Bandhall is 40 years old and still has its original décor, windows and toilet facilities.

It needs to be improved to 21st century standards and be the ‘Community Music Centre of Mullingar’.

The target of funds to be raised for that job is €500,000.

A spokesperson for the band said: “Mullingar Town Band needs and appreciates the support of the people of Mullingar.

“As ambassadors for our town we have received tremendous praise from the community for decades.

“We are once again seeking the support of the community to continue making a strong positive contribution in Mullingar for generations to come.”